If you follow along with me on Facebook or Instagram, you know I’ve been a little obsessed with the new-to-me idea/concept of hygge. I have been reading everything I can get my hands on about hygge and I’m excited to share with you what I’ve learned so far.
We live in a hustle and bustle world where we try to do too many things at once and our to-do lists look like novels. We rush, rush, rush until we can’t give anymore and we collapse into our beds at the end of the day, exhausted, worn out, dissatisfied, unhappy and feeling like we have somehow failed because our mile long to-do list hardly got touched, even though we ran the whole day long. Anyone with me? *raises hand*
Let’s take a moment. No, more than just a moment. Let’s take an actual break.
Breathe.
Set down the phone or step away from the computer. (ok, *after* you finish reading) 😉
Brew yourself a fresh cup of coffee (or a hot cup of tea, if that’s your thing) and let’s chat about Hygge.
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What is Hygge?
Hygge (pronounced “hue-gah”) is a Danish word that translates as a feeling or mood that comes when you take genuine pleasure in making ordinary, everyday moments more meaningful; more beautiful. It’s about coziness and finding joy in the simple things in life. At the core of hygge is a craving for simplicity and an urge to pare everything back to basics. In talking to my friends and family, I’ve come to believe that hygge is something we all need more of. Simplicity. Paring back. Less screens; more face to face. Slowing down. Savoring the little things. Being present.
How to Bring in a Little Hygge
Here are five of the easiest ways I’ve found to add hygge.
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Candlelight – and plenty of it.
As I mentioned here (before I had ever heard of hygge), candlelight is so soothing and comforting. As a matter of fact, I’ve got one flickering next to me as I write now. You don’t have to spend a fortune on candles. Not at all! Gather up some cute small glass jars and containers and get a huge pack of tealights and you’ll have candlelight enough to spread all over your home and they’ll last you a long time. I have a few of these, too, but they’re a little bit more of an investment. However, I love that they have a timer feature so you can set them to automatically turn on as dusk falls.
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Cozy throws and pillows
When the days are cold and grey, the comfort of a soft, warm throw and cushy pillows are the perfect invitation to snuggle in and get comfy. Whether you choose to get cozy solo or gather your family around you for silly stories and laughter, be sure there is enough comfy goodness for everyone. In our living room, we have at least five different throws available at all times in the winter months. Some are hanging neatly on the blanket ladder we made waiting to be used, and some are purposefully left draped over the sides of our sofas for impromptu snuggling. My favorites are the faux fur throws. The weight of them is absolutely delightful and totally hyggeligt.
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Hot drinks to sip and share
At first glance, hygge appears to be a solo endeavor, but that’s not the case at all (unless you *want* it to be). 😉 During the cold winter months, it’s even more important to make an effort to get together with friends. Keep it casual; keep it laid back. Maybe hosting a simple dinner of soup and bread sounds good to you. Or perhaps keeping it even simpler, with a soul soothing offering of piping hot water for tea, or a fresh pot of coffee or hot cocoa is more your speed. Whatever suits you and makes you want to invite a couple friends over for hot drinks, do it! Enjoy a hygge night!
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S l o w d o w n
When’s the last time you really tasted your food? Or were fully present in a moment (not distracted by the latest notification on your phone)? Or really looked into someone’s eyes and listened? When’s the last time you turned OFF your phone for an undisturbed night at home? Or the last time you sat with a hot cuppa in your hand and just. sat. and gave yourself time and space to just be. and think.
I admit, I need to hear this as much as anyone. Hygge is so much about slowing down. Noticing and enjoying the little things. The warmth of a fire. The flicker of a candle. The velvety smoothness of your favorite throw. The simple ritual (and seeming mundane task) of prepping veggies for dinner. The laughter of your children (who sometimes drive you crazy). 😀
The *little* things. If we pay attention to the seasons, Winter is by far the most hyggeligt of them all. God causes Nature to even slow down and rest more in Winter. That’s not by accident. Let’s follow suit.
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Paring down
Now stick with me. I know this sounds like the not-fun part. But it can make a world of difference. I’m in the middle of doing this very thing. Again.
It’s an ongoing process, I’m finding out. To quote Signe Johansen in her fabulous book, “Underpinning hygge is a craving for simplicity, an urge to pare everything back to basics.”
Now, I’m not saying go all “Marie Kondo” on every item you own (this is about keeping things simple, after all), but I am saying – if you don’t *love* it and you don’t *use* it, then why have it? It takes up valuable space and clutter is a sure-fire way to become overwhelmed and stressed out in your home. And no one wants that. Less really is more.
I hope these 5 simple tips to bring more hygge into your home are helpful and I’d very much love to hear how you create “cozy” in your home!
Think I might be adapting some Hygge in our house very soon! Sounds awesome and will have to get my hands on the book.
Thank you so much for sharing your Hygge Tips with us over at Waste Not Wednesday!
Merry Christmas, Sarah!!
Merry Christmas, Sam! Let’s all enjoy more Hygge this season… 🙂
I have a different sort of hygge story. I had been well along the minimalist journey when I was tentatively diagnosed with a rare form of pneumonia that keeps me nearly housebound and on oxygen 24/7. I am 71 years old and my recovery will be long and slow. I am able to do tasks that require up to about 10 minutes before my oxygen level crashes, and I must rest. Instead of becoming depressed over my new limited life, I decided to accept it as a challenge. I minimized my home even more, making it easy for me to maintain, and set about making it as hyggelig as possible. I have fallen in love with my little house all over again, and friends and family seem to gravitate to my home. Each day I am excited to see what joys are waiting and at night the warm glow of candles, warm comfort food and drink, a soft blanket, a good book, and cuddles with my little yorkie make my life content.
Alice – there are so many things about your story that impress me. First of all, that you didn’t let your diagnoses throw you into a depression – instead, you turned your focus to the things you could change and improve upon to make your home work for you. What an encouragement you must be to everyone around you and your story has encouraged me here, today. Thank you for sharing – and I wish you richest blessings. 🙂
I am fascinated with this concept and agree that we ALL could use a little more Hygge in our lives. I think some of it comes to me naturally. We love a cozy, comfy atmosphere in our home. My husband is obsessed with candles & coffee ( me too) and to me, life is not complete with out a cozy blanket.
Tonya, it sure sounds like you’re already doing a lot of hygge things! Way to go and keep it up! Enjoy all those hygge moments. 🙂
I loved this post, Sarah! I plan to go back to it often as a reminder when I feel like I’m losing sight of the important things in my life. Life has a tendency to get overwhelming sometimes and it’s during those times I need a post like this to remind me that it’s ok to slow down and that enjoying the special moments around me is what life is all about. Thank you, friend.
Life can be *so* overwhelming, can’t it? I totally get it. Even when we try to slow down, sometimes everything just keeps spinning. I’m right beside you in the struggle and the striving to slow down. Practice makes progress! 😉
“The simple ritual (and seeming mundane task) of prepping veggies for dinner.” This line alone will change part of my day! My hubby has a credit on audible and I want to snag a book about this very thing. If you could only get one – which would you recommend?
Honestly, sweet friend, the only one I’ve read so far is “How to Hygge” by Signe Johansen (the one I linked to in the post). Everything else I’ve read has been online through Pinterest. One of my girlfriends got “The Little Book of Hygge” and she loves it. So I’m sorry, but that’s all I have to offer you as far as advice for right now. I hope it helps? hugs, Beth! <3
Such a fantastic post, my friend. I am sitting with my cozy blanket, and cuppa right now! I loved this, “Less screens; more face to face. Slowing down. Savoring the little things. Being present.” I am trying so hard to make this a priority this year! Thank you for teaching us about Hygge. I had never heard of it, and now I want to embrace it. Thank you, my friend. ???
I’m so glad it was an encouragement to you, sweet friend!! I’m with you in trying to embrace it more this year. (hugs)
Love this idea and concept. Clutter is not my friend and neither is overbooking my day. I’ll be checking out this book. Lovely post, Sarah.
Thank you Susie! We all need to slow down some, don’t we. Have a great day!
This is a beautiful post and such needed reminders.
Thank you, Jessica! I needed the reminders, too. 🙂 Have a great day!
Sarah, thank you for sharing! Love your ideas. This concept of hygge totally resonates with me in this season of my life. You’ve convinced me that I need to investigate this further.
Hi Jill! Oh, I’m so glad to hear this!! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! (hugs)
I say absolutely to only having things you love, slowing down, and stepping away from the screen…see I waited until I read the whole thing 😉
He he!! Susanne, you just made me smile. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. 🙂 Have a great day!
Just luv the actual word too :). Hygge. Reminds me of the word giggle!
Candles are big for me too!
It’s such a great word!! Thanks, Wendy! <3 Have a great night! 🙂
This is very intriguing!!
Glad you liked it, Janice!
I’m all about the “love it/use it/or out it goes” concept! Trying to bring more of that to my life! It’s been rather warm here but I do live the idea of slowing down. LESS is my word for this year so this concept fits right in!
Hey, I like your word!!! 😀 Thanks so much for stopping by, Sheila! Always fun to connect with you. 🙂
Love this concept and I need more hygge in my life.
Oh girl – you and me both!! Let’s hygge it up!! 😀
I’m completely smitten with this Hygge of which you speak. I can’t wait to get my book!!!!
Burn all the candles and cover up underneath all those blankets girlfriend!
XOXO
I can’t wait to hear what you think of your book, Lisa! <3 I want to hear everything! 🙂